Skilled Migration WA | Interstaff Insights
A total of 134 new occupations were added to the Western Australian Skilled Migration Occupation List (WASMOL) this week, providing a Permanent Residence (PR) pathway to Temporary Skilled Visa holders already in Australia who wish to live and work in WA.
Effective immediately, the expanded WASMOL also provides WA businesses an alternative option to support employees or engage skilled migrants for occupations in high demand industries – without visa sponsorship and associated costs of standard PR pathways.
Here’s what you should know about Skilled Migration to WA:
- The new eligible occupations
- The Visa requirements
- The Expression of Interest and Application process
New Eligible Occupations for Skilled Migration to WA
Individuals with an occupation on the WASMOL may be eligible for WA State Nomination under one of the below visas:
- Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa
- Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
An entire Schedule of occupations has been added to the WASMOL, which now consists of Schedule 1 and 2.
Some of the new occupations that are eligible for Permanent Residence under WA State Nomination include Geologists, Mechanical Engineering Technicians, Chefs and Cooks.
View the full Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 Occupation lists here, current at 7 July 2021.
Nomination Requirements | Skilled Migration WA
Individuals must:
- Meet the Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for their visa
- Currently be in Australia
- Meet ‘proficient’ English requirements if your occupation is classified as a ‘Manager’ or ‘Professional’ occupation
- Meet ‘competent’ English requirements for all other occupations
- Have a letter of offer for 12 months of full-time employment – including evidence that market salary rates will be paid and business requirements have been met
- Have sufficient funds to support their settlement in WA
Individuals with an occupation on the WASMOL Schedule 1 must also meet the below additional requirements:
- At least one year of Australian work experience in the nominated occupation over the last 10 years
- At least three years of overseas work experience in the nominated occupation over the last 10 years
A person can only count work experience gained after their qualification was received. It must also be for paid employment in positions working at least 20 hours/week.
The Expression of Interest and Application Process | Skilled Migration WA
To apply for a State/Terrotory Nominated Skilled Visa, a person must first:
1. Gather evidence for several points-tested requirements
2. Lodge an Expression of Interest
3. Obtain Nomination from the State/Territory Government
4. Receive an Invitation to apply for a visa from the Commonwealth Government
Points can be claimed for the applicant’s English level, age, work experience, education, regional work (if any) – and if applicable, for their partner’s English level, age and skills.
The process is very competitive because it requires the applicant to score a high number of points to compete with other migrants that have lodged an Expression of Interest under the same occupation.
Interstaff | Over 30 years of Visa Experience Since 1988
Businesses have reportedly experienced worsened skills shortages due to international border closures.
But with thousands of skilled temporary visa holders already in Australia, the expansion of the WASMOL will hopefully provide immediate access to skilled workers for positions that cannot be filled locally.
It is encouraging that the Government is broadening options for migrants in Australia to stay – particularly given that last week’s announcement to halve international arrivals will make it even more difficult for migrants to enter.
It indicates migrants currently in Australia will be prioritised for skilled migration and for some applicants, there may be greater flexibility between independent and employer sponsored pathways to PR.
Read our earlier insights on independent and employer sponsored visas here.
We hope this was helpful – you may also be interested in other articles:
Four-Phase Plan to Reopen International Travel and Emerge from the Pandemic
Leaving Australia | Outbound Travel Exemptions
Critical Work and Compassionate Travel Exemptions to Come to Australia
Applying for a Partner Visa in the COVID-19 Era
Should you require advice on your visa or travel exemption options, we encourage you to get in touch with Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents to arrange a consultation so we can consider your circumstances.
You may also wish to connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn to keep up to date.
Source:
Interstaff’s Registered Migration Agents
WA State Government
Government of Western Australia – Media Statement
